Career Overview
Jesse Owens made history at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, winning four gold medals in a powerful statement against Nazi ideology. His achievements and grace under pressure made him a civil rights icon and pioneering figure in athletics.
Born
September 12, 1913
Oakville, Alabama
Records & Achievements
Notable Records
- First American to win four Olympic track and field gold medals
- Set three world records in less than an hour (1935)
- Matched or broke world record in 100-yard dash 100 times
- 45-minute span of breaking 5 world records and equaling a sixth
Major Awards
- 4x Olympic Gold Medals (1936)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Congressional Gold Medal
- Named to World Athletics Hall of Fame